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Concerns about physical appearance can occur among any age group but are especially prevalent among adolescent girls and young women when they experience puberty and find their identity in early adulthood. In addition, individuals with visible differences may experience appearance-related insecurities and suffer social stigmatization. This article focuses on both of these appearance-related phenomena in relation to the role that the mass media play in shaping ‘self’ and ‘other’ perceptions and behaviours. It reviews key theories that have been proposed to explain how the media might influence...

Concerns about physical appearance can occur among any age group but are especially prevalent among adolescent girls and young women when they experience puberty and find their identity in early adulthood. In addition, individuals with visible differences may experience appearance-related insecurities and suffer social stigmatization. This article focuses on both of these appearance-related phenomena in relation to the role that the mass media play in shaping ‘self’ and ‘other’ perceptions and behaviours. It reviews key theories that have been proposed to explain how the media might influence appearance concerns among consumers, followed by a consideration of the quality of the evidence relating to the extent and consequences of this influence. Finally, the article considers how positive change might be achieved in the media's representation of, and role in shaping, appearance and beauty ideals.